Today’s COVID-19 news and updates

— from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray —

Newest numbers. The state of Washington reported 435 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases over the past 24 hours. This brings the total number of cases to 37,420, as of July 6 at 11:59 PM PDT. The total number of deaths are at 1,384.

For the most recent tally of cases by county, demographics, and more, visit the Department of Health’s dashboard and the state’s COVID-19 risk assessment dashboard.

New face covering requirements go into effect today. Gov. Jay Inslee rolled out the new requirements for the statewide face covering mandate. Starting today, businesses will not be able to serve customers or visitors who aren’t wearing face coverings. The measure is intended to counteract the surging levels of COVID-19 statewide as counties have started reopening. Face coverings, when combined with six feet of physical distancing and frequent hand-washing can significantly slow the spread of the virus.

Individuals with certain medical or health conditions or disabilities are exempt from wearing a face covering. In these cases, business can provide reasonable accommodations such as curbside pickup, delivery and/or scheduling visits during non-peak hours or virtual meetings. No one is required to carry proof or documentation of their health condition or disability. Best practices to help businesses implement the new requirement are posted on face mask and business pages of the state’s COVID-19 website. 

Department of Commerce grant helps child care centers with essential needs items.  Childcare centers statewide have reported concerns they would not have access to basic cleaning supplies because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Commerce has issued a $120,000 emergency grant to help some of the state’s licensed child care centers. The grant, coupled with outreach to suppliers by the non-profit organization Child Care Aware of Washington, has allowed child care providers to keep up their supplies of toilet paper, paper towels, soap and bleach through a bulk purchasing plan. Read the press release here.

Inslee announces five carriers to participate in public health care option. Gov. Jay Inslee announced five insurance carriers have applied to offer public option plans in most counties of the state. Cascade Care, the public option program, begins later this year with coverage to start Jan. 1, 2021.

The governor said Cascade Care has been a priority, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our health care system. The state’s Health Care Authority issued a competitive bid process to carriers to participate at the start of the pandemic. Read the press release here.

Transportation: Temporary lane reallocations to help provide space for physical distancing. With the arrival of summer and more people engaging in outdoor activities, the state departments of Health, Commerce and Transportation have worked to provide more access to public roadways. The Safe, Healthy and Active Streets Program allows temporary lane restrictions on some state roadways to allow walkers and cyclists more space to maintain physical distance and give greater access to businesses along “main street” highways. The temporary change to some traffic lanes could let towns increase space for walking or biking or create outdoor seating for restaurants and stores.

The Department of Transportation will work with cities and counties to evaluate roadway segments that meet criteria for lane reallocation. Eligible state highway locations will be on roadways with 35 mph speed limits or lower and within population centers with demonstrated lack of space for physical distancing for walking, bicycling or other forms of active transportation.The initial duration is set for 90 days. Read the press release here.

Visitors to long-term care facilities remain restricted. Gov. Inslee’s Proclamation 20-52.4 further extended visitor restrictions at long-term care facilities through August 1, 2020. The state Department of Social and Health Services is currently working on a plan for a safe, phased reopening of facilities to outside visitors. More details on this plan will be released in the coming weeks.

Resources

Face coverings: What you need to know. Gov. Inslee’s statewide face mask requirements are in effect. Washingtonians must wear face coverings in all public spaces, and may be refused service at businesses if they don’t wear one. The state Department of Health and the state Joint Information Center are continuing to provide updated information, FAQs and resources about the state’s face covering requirements. The state’s coronavirus response website outlines requirements for employers, guides for businesses, details on who may be exempt and answers to common questions. Visit coronarvirus.wa.gov/masks and www.doh.wa.gov/masks.

Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses. Small businesses may continue submitting applications to the Paycheck Protection Program to keep their workers on the payroll during the pandemic. The deadline to apply to the program has been extended to Aug. 8. The program lets businesses get direct government subsidies for payroll, rent and other costs.  Visit the US Small Business Administration to find out how to apply.

Washington Listens program supports people affected by the COVID-19 stress. Washington Listens is a support program and phone line to help people manage elevated stress caused by the pandemic. The Washington Listens support line is 1-833-681-0211. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. TTY and language access services are available by using 7-1-1 or their preferred method. Resources and self-help tips are available on walistens.org.

Summer Food Service Program. The Summer Food Service Program provides children with nutritious meals during the summer. To find a summer meals site near you, text “food” or “comida” to 877-877. You can also view the summer meals site locator online. For more information contact the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction’s Child Nutrition Services Department at (360) 725-6200

Wi-Fi Mapping. In response to the impact of COIVD-19, drive-in Wi-Fi hotspots provide free, temporary emergency internet access for Washingtonians who don’t have broadband service at their homes. Commerce has a Wi-Fi mapping tool on its website.

Washington 211 COVID-19 Call Center. Do you need information or answers to your questions and concerns about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)? You can call 1-800-525-0127 or text 211-211 for help. You can also text the word “Coronavirus” to 211-211 to receive information and updates on your phone wherever you are. You will receive links to the latest information on COVID-19, including county-level updates, and resources for families, businesses, students, and more.

Interested in volunteering during disasters and significant events like COVID-19? Register with the Washington State Emergency Registry of Volunteers (WAserv) to partner with public health and others who need assistance in their response to the COVID-19 pandemic.